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Foliar water uptake: Processes, pathways, and integration into plant water budgets
Z Carter Berry1, Nathan C Emery2, Sybil G Gotsch3
1Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, California, USA.
Plant, Cell & Environment
|September 9, 2018
Summary
Plants absorb water through leaves, a process called foliar water uptake, which significantly impacts plant water and carbon balance. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and implications of this water subsidy.
Area of Science:
- Plant physiology
- Ecology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Foliar water uptake, the absorption of water through leaves, is widespread across plant families and biomes.
- This process is increasingly recognized as a significant water subsidy influencing plant water and carbon dynamics.
- However, the mechanistic understanding of foliar water uptake remains limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the biophysical conditions enabling foliar water uptake.
- To explore the pathways and internal fate of absorbed water.
- To synthesize quantitative data on water potential changes and fluxes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of biophysical conditions for water uptake.
- Analysis of water potential gradients between plants and atmosphere.
- Examination of water absorption pathways and internal water movement.
- Quantitative synthesis of experimental data on water potential and flux rates.
Main Results:
- Established the critical role of plant and atmospheric water potentials in driving foliar water uptake.
- Identified various pathways for water entry into leaves and its subsequent distribution.
- Quantified the impact of foliar water uptake on leaf water potential and transpiration.
- Highlighted the contribution of foliar water uptake to overall plant water balance.
Conclusions:
- Foliar water uptake is a crucial but understudied process in plant water relations.
- Understanding the biophysics, pathways, and quantitative aspects is essential.
- Further research is needed to integrate foliar water uptake into existing models of plant water movement.
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